Summer is usually a time for cool drinks, beautiful sunsets, and picnics on the beach. But between all the fun, summer is also a great time for reflection.

Think about it: You have just finished an intensive school year full of tests, parties, and heartbreaks. Whether you are going into your first year of university or your first job post-grad, you are going to want some guidance. In our busy lives, it can be so easy to get caught up in all the negativity that we forget to concentrate on the good things. Enter: inspiration boards.

You have probably heard of them before. They are basically boards where you can stick on inspirational words, pictures, and ultimately create a cool collage. Not only are they fun to make, but with my tips, you can use them to change your perspective on life.

Read on to learn how to create effective inspiration boards:

Write down your goals.

Before we even start discussing images and themes, you have got to figure out what you want to focus on! First, find a quiet place in your home (or just a quiet place in general) where you feel happy and comfortable. Grab a nice notebook, turn to a fresh page, and evaluate the past year (or five) of your life.

What went well? What went wrong? Why did those things happen? How can I fix them? If you need a place to start, think of the people and places in your life and think of the kind of energy they have brought with them. Do you need more happiness? Adventure? Romance? Write it all down!

Choose the right images.

Now that we have an idea about what we want in our lives, it is time to find images that reflect that. With websites like Tumblr and Instagram, it can feel like an impossible task to choose the right pictures that represent your goals. The trick is to focus on pictures that are real and genuine.

For example, let’s say one of my goals is to be more confident in my style. The next day, I find a picture of Gigi Hadid wearing a pair of amazing Balenciaga boots on Tumblr. At first, it might seem appropriate to use the picture of her for my inspiration board because I love her shoes and it represents the style I want to embody. But the reality is, standing in front of a camera in expensive boots is not natural at all (although, I wish it was!).

Instead, I would recommend finding more candid shots of Gigi wearing a similar style, like ones of her going to get frozen yogurt with her friends or out to lunch. The more real it feels, the more achievable high arching goals will feel.

Add fun details.

Inspiration boards should be bright and fun. We are trying to cultivate positivity and cheerfulness, so fun details are a must. Whether it’s cool patterned tape, colorful tacks, or pastel post-its, have fun with it.

Try to make your board as much of a reflection of yourself as possible. An even better idea: Invite all your friends for an inspiration board crafting party! Mocktails and glitter glue, anyone?

Use your board often.

Once you are done with your board, hang it up in a place where you will always see it (like at the back or front of your bedroom door). Choose a time of day that suits you best, whether it is in the morning or before you go to bed, and take the time to look at it.

Breathe deeply, smile and look at all the great things you have ahead of you. Rest assured that these amazing things are coming and everything you have experienced thus far has given you the tools to enjoy it. You are a force to be reckoned with.

What do you think?

Are you going to make an inspiration board this summer? Have any questions? Tips to share? Leave us a comment!